$30 Header contest - 48 hours! John Doe Proxy

[stevenfullman]

Hi All,

I've been looking at your designs here, and they are awesome.

So I'd like to hold a header contest for a new site, 'John Doe Proxy'

This contest will run for 48 hours from now, and the winner will receive $30.

About the site:

JohnDoeProxy is, not surprisingly, an anonymous proxy site. Hence the name, John Doe, to symbolize that the visitor's identity will be hidden whilst using the site to surf the web.

The header should reflect the theme of anonymity, anoymous surfing etc and will preferably have a dark background, black even.

Ideally, I'd like the colours FF6600 (orange), and 008000 (green) in there as well, but with predominantly white-ish text. However, If you can come up with a more suitable color scheme, don't be afraid to use it!

I'll leave the size up to you, but think normal header graphic dimensions.

How to win:

1. Be as creative as you like
2. See number 1

I don't have a site design yet, so the chances are the theme will be based on the winning graphic!

The winner will have the money deposited by PayPal (I'll even pay the paypal fees :) )

Thanks, and I look forward to seeing all your great work!

Thanks,
Steve

P.S. Of course, everyone that makes me a design will get green reps!

[Tropica]

an idea, can be altered, feedback appreciated :)

http://www.mcbone.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/johndoe1.jpg

[stevenfullman]

Thanks for the super fast reply, Tropica - rep added!

The only concern would be that visitors might think:

"John Doe - the Proxy Site for Ugly People!" :D

No offense intended!

Thanks again,
Steve

[Tropica]

lol didnt think of that, but its a damn good tagline!!!

John Doe Proxy
"The Proxy Site for Ugly People!"

[stevenfullman]

lol didnt think of that, but its a damn good tagline!!!

John Doe Proxy
"The Proxy Site for Ugly People!"

LOL :D

It might alienate a few people, but hey...

[Tropica]

more like it?

http://www.mcbone.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/joedoe3.jpg

[Fidel_Castro]

Here:

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4324/johndoeproxyic7.jpg

Feedback please

[zinruss]

FF6600 (orange), 008000 (green) and FFFFFF(white) colors combination. Hope that you will like it. :)

http://www.zinway.com/johndoeproxy.jpg

[stevenfullman]

Thanks, All :) reps added all round!
First thoughts -

Tropica - I'm liking the pixelated face, nice idea! Like the fonts/colors too. Any chance of making the image relate to surfing the web?

Fidel_Castro - Very slick indeed. I reckon the target audience is going to be the high school/college crowd. Can the image of the anonymous guy be a little younger/hipper? And what does it look like with inverted colors (i.e. a dark barkground)? Other than that - really impressed!

zinruss - Thanks for the entry. Not quite sure how the image conveys 'anonymity'? What is the significance of the leaves? Color scheme is a bit bright (would prefer a dark background) Thanks for making the effort so far, though!

Great early work, people! You guys must have pretty impressive portfolios!

Thanks, and keep up the great work.
Steve

[Tropica]

more web feel variations :)

http://www.mcbone.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/johndoe31.jpg

[Fidel_Castro]

Here is remake. With white and black background, as requested

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5079/johndoeproxynewwhiteku5.jpg


http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/6610/johndoeproxynewblackoc6.jpg

[stevenfullman]

Wow - great work guys! :D

Tropica - Thanks, again! I like the top one best. The 'O' looks nice. Whist I really like the idea of the pixellated face, there's something about it that isn't quite working...but that's just a gut reaction. Perhaps the person should be sitting at a desk browsing the web?

Fidel_Castro - This is stunning! Great image, which will strike a chord with my target audience. Can you incorporate something 'web-surfy' into the design somewhere? Fantastic design so far!

Thanks, everyone!

Steve

[Fidel_Castro]

Fidel_Castro - This is stunning! Great image, which will strike a chord with my target audience. Can you incorporate something 'web-surfy' into the design somewhere? Fantastic design so far!

Steve

something like this?

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8950/johndoeproxynewlupamf3.jpg

[DaveyBoy]

Very cool, man!

[stevenfullman]

Fidel_Castro - fantastic, exactly what I'm looking for! :) How does that look with the black background? I really like the grey as well, though.

Thanks very much!
Steve

P.S. DaveyBoy - care to enter?

[KevinChristman]

Changes can be made. The guy doesn't look that good, but I can fix that if you like the text and stuff.

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/3842/johndoeproxyis7.jpg

[Fidel_Castro]

Fidel_Castro - fantastic, exactly what I'm looking for! :) How does that look with the black background? I really like the grey as well, though.

like this ;)

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/2142/johndoeproxynewlupablaun5.jpg

[stevenfullman]

Latest THANKS! and feedback.

To everyone who has taken part so far - thank you so much for your time and effort.

KevinChristman - Thanks for your entry. Rep added! My favorite font so far is Tropica's. Could you try something in that style, maybe? I've seen your previous designs, and they rock!

Fidel_Castro This design is reaching maturity now, and is absolutely amazing! :) No secret, you're way out in front at the moment! How about adding a Web 2.0 feel to the header (i.e. glass effect, reflection on the text, in the style of the attached picture) - Also, perhaps the font could be changed? When reading the text, at first glance it looks like John Doc, not John Doe. I'm not too fussed about having the 'anonymous proxy site' as a tag line below the site name - it could be above, or not there at all, whatever looks the best!

Everyone, thanks for your designs up until now, you all have a rare talent.

Fidel_Castro is leading at this point, but there's plenty of time left to go!

Many thanks again for your creativity and contributions, and please, keep pitching in!

Kind regards,
Steve

[KevinChristman]

Hey thanks for the comments. Here's a new one for you:

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1456/johndoeproxy2fy9.jpg

[Fidel_Castro]

ok, there are a few changes ...

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/3741/41657791xq7.jpg

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/1574/20892172rm9.jpg

I agree to make more changes if i win. You saw concept and we can change more details if you choose my work.

cheers

[dancam]

here is my 1st idea...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p264/dancam369/jdp001.gif

[Brian1970]

Here is remake. With white and black background, as requested

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5079/johndoeproxynewwhiteku5.jpg


http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/6610/johndoeproxynewblackoc6.jpg

I have to say that is an excellent design.

Great work, good luck.

Thanks Brian

[stevenfullman]

All,

Here's the Latest feedback -

KevinChristman - Much improved design. Love the font, especially the 'shiny' effect. The face is much better too :) How does that fit against a dark background?

Fidel_Castro - Thanks for the additions! Really like the reflection on the text in the top design. Still out in front!

dancam - Thanks for your entry. Reps added! :) Nice idea to mask out the face. Not too keen out the green banner, but I'm sure that could be worked on a bit.

Thanks again for all your work. It's a privilege to see such talent.

26 hours to go!

Thanks,
Steve

[Istvan]

My try:
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t301/raservices/JDP1.gif

Feedback appreciated :)

[KevinChristman]

Updates:

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9720/johndoeproxy3lx0.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8056/johndoeproxy4di7.jpg

[stevenfullman]

Ooh, this contest is really hotting up now!

2 great contributions just in:

Istvan - Thanks for joining in! Reps added :) Love the eye symbol in proxy, and the tagline.

KevinChristman Well what can I say, Kevin? This design is now neck-and-neck with Fidel_Castro's. Absolutely love it! Love the diagonal scan lines and the gradient background. The 'shiny' effect on the font is very attractive, as is the reflection underneath. I think the font is a little large/fat though. I'd like to see it similar in size to Fidel_Castro's top design in post #20, and the tagline is not compulsory.

So, as an update:

We have a tie for 1st place at the moment between Fidel_Castro and KevinChristman.

Istvan has snuck in at number 3.

*21 Hours to go*

Thanks,
Steve

[KevinChristman]

Awesome! Glad you like it. Here are the changes you requested.If the font is still too big or you need anything else changed, let me know.

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/9136/johndoeproxy5vi8.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/8748/johndoeproxy6wl6.jpg

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/9803/johndoeproxy7pk8.jpg

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6887/johndoeproxy8wc4.jpg

[warpser]

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/warpser2/johndoeproxy2111x.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h121/warpser2/johndoeproxy21.jpg

[Istvan]

Different font and some minor changes:
http://xs414.xs.to/xs414/07154/JDP2.gif

[stevenfullman]

Whoah! A flurry of activity!

warpser - Thanks for joining the contest :) Reps added! I like the fingerprint idea, very original!

Istvan - Thanks for the update, I think I preferred the figure without the red stroke, actually, but looking good!

KevinChristman - Thanks, Kevin. I'm starting to fall for your design now, it's great! There's something about the font that isn't quite right, though. Can you try removing the stroke around it, and making the reflection fade off rather than be a full reflection? Does that make sense? Thanks, mate!

Once again, I really appreciate the time & effort you've all put into this contest. You all deserve a prize! :)

Thanks all,
Steve

[KevinChristman]

Made the changes you requested:

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/3458/johndoeproxy10ow2.jpg

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1491/johndoeproxy9ty4.jpg

[Rezki]

wait for me :D

I will post my entrty soon :!

[ramakrishna p]

My try:

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/3158/johndw4.jpg

[stevenfullman]

OK - just over 12 hours to go, and here's the latest feedback:

ramakrishna p - Thanks for entering the fray! :) Nice idea with the silhouetted figure at the window. Certainly adds an air of anonymity to the graphic. Reps added!

KevinChristman - Thanks for sticking with this one, Kevin! I really appreciate your efforts, your design has come on leaps and bounds in the last 24 hours - and I really like the fading reflection! How does it look with the John & Proxy in green and the Doe in Orange (on the dark background), and with the anonymous dude with a green t-shirt? Also, as much as I like them, what is the effect without the scan lines? I'd like the whole text/background to be like polished glass, if possible? Think 'iPhone'!

Rezki - I look forward to seeing your design!

KevinChristman and Fidel_Castro are still the front runners here with just 13 hours to go!

For anyone just joining the thread, in my opinion this has been a masterclass in graphic design from Kevin and Fidel, and everyone else who has taken part.

With such a short time to go, if anyone else can give me Apple 'Cool', a cartoon-esque anonymous figure, and web 2.0 reflective fonts that top Kev/Fidel, please enter...

Thank you,
Steve

[KevinChristman]

Tried something a little different for you. With the requested changes.

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/8253/johndoeproxy11ma4.jpg

[Fidel_Castro]

another one update from me :)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9158/65657779sq5.jpg

[zmaja]

If I was a contest holder, I would wonder about the creativity and inspiration of the designers and their work. The purpose is not to be the 40th to make an entry, after you collect all the good ideas from the previous entries. I know that 'John Doe' is an association for a faceless guy, but to copy the whole style (image, font color, even the T-shirt color!) is a shame. KevinChristman's entry is a clear copy of Fidel_Castro's design. And of top of everything, the contest holder is trilled by that drawing. Well...if you wait a couple of hours, I'll get something from all the entries, and make the winning header, for sure.

p.s. Everyone of us has a graphic of a boy/man, and it's not a big deal to erase his face. The big deal is to be the first one to get to the idea to do that, and combine it with the rest of the text nicely. Until you people get ideas of your own, take a break from this forum.

Cheers!

[zinruss]

zmaja, well said. I believe most of the designers here already have a huge collection of nice vector images for logo integration. Photoshop and illustrator will do the trick most of the time. The first entry is the keyword here. This is the main reason i have withdrawn my entry from this thread although i have the vector images similiar to Fidel_Castro

KevinChristman, i am deeply sorry if you feel offended. I believe you have a nice collection of vector images and i believe you can try something different. Copying idea or concept is not a good...

Fidel_Castro, very nice concept and design. :)

[KevinChristman]

Excuse me guys, but I'm not copying someones design. I am trying to make what the contest hold is asking for. My first design wasn't that similar to Fidel_Castro's and I was asked to make changes. I chose a completely different font and completely different face. Then, the contest holder requested that I change my font to be similar to Fidel_Castro's and also make it in black. Most of the things that made it similar to his was due to the request of stevenfullman. And also, almost all the entries in this contest contain the John Doe Proxy text on the right and a face on the left.

So no I was not copying an idea, I was making what was requested. Okay? Thanks.

[DaveyBoy]

I don't really think it's a case of copying in this instance - obviously they do look similar in some ways - the positions of the elements, the text colours, the diagonal stripes, the reflection etc. but these are all things that the CH has said he likes. I've seen a few cases of blatant concept stealing at DP but I think this is more of a case of catering to what the CH wants - why bother creating something you know they won't like when you already know what they do like? Makes sense to adapt yours to what the holder considers favourable.

Just my opinion, of course.

[zinruss]

I've seen a few cases of blatant concept stealing at DP but I think this is more of a case of catering to what the CH wants - why bother creating something you know they won't like when you already know what they do like?

If this is the case, KevinChristman, please accept my appologize. :)

[stevenfullman]

I don't really think it's a case of copying in this instance - obviously they do look similar in some ways - the positions of the elements, the text colours, the diagonal stripes, the reflection etc. but these are all things that the CH has said he likes. I've seen a few cases of blatant concept stealing at DP but I think this is more of a case of catering to what the CH wants - why bother creating something you know they won't like when you already know what they do like? Makes sense to adapt yours to what the holder considers favourable.

Just my opinion, of course.

Everybody - Please listen to DaveyBoy! Yes - it's obvious that KevenChristman & Fidel_Castro's design are of a similar concept, but reading through my feedback, they are both making changes based on requests from me!

Yes, Fidel_Castro came up with the original faceless figure, and whilst one of you mentioned that this wasn't a particularly innovative idea, it clearly portrays the feeling of anonymity (the original design request).

Would it be more 'original' to have a blurred picture of a pig hiding behind a bush? Sure! But would the visitor immediately connect with the image when they saw it? No.

The winner will be the one who gets the closest to the image I have in my head, but which I'm not skilled enough to create.

And at the moment, KevinChristman & Fidel_Castro's designs epitomise that better than the others.

Everyone who has entered has produced some quality work, of which they can be rightly proud, but there can only be one winner!

Note: This contest was originally scheduled to end in about 3 hours (midday uk time). However, work commitments mean I'll be away from an internet connection until 9pm UK time. So, I'll leave the contest open for a further 9 hours, at which time the winner will be announced, payment made etc.

Thanks again,
Steve

[Istvan]

Last try:
http://xs414.xs.to/xs414/07155/JDP3.gif

[stevenfullman]

Damn, this was tough!

Fidel - You're the winner! please contact me asap with payment details.

KevinChristman - Kevin - it was so close, and I would love to work with you again. I've loved your entries. You've got a sure fire winner with bored heaven/hell. That is an amazing design.

To everyone who entered - thankyou for your designs, you are all fanatstic.

Congrats Fidel, sorry Kevin,

Regards,
Steve

[KevinChristman]

Damn, well I guess congrats Fidel.

Just a little surprised I guess. Said I was in the lead but I guess your opinion got changed because of all of these people complaining that I copied his design.

Ehh, I guess I'll just have to hope I win a decent prized one eventually. I mean, I must've made 15 copies of this thing, all for nothing. =/ But I guess that's what a contest is for. Ehh whatever...

Congrats Fidel =/

[DaveyBoy]

Sorry if i influenced anything :( wasn't my intention!

[Fidel_Castro]

Thanks for picking me .... PM sent

[sundaybrew]

Hey - Here's Mine :)

I can also add web 2.o effects if you like,

Mine is simple, and rememberable. People like simple :)

an idea, can be altered, feedback appreciated :)


http://www.spacelayouts247.com/johndoe.jpg

[stevenfullman]

...but I guess your opinion got changed because of all of these people complaining that I copied his design.


Kevin - please check your PM. I hope that answers/helps a little.

Everybody, for the record - this had nothing to do with complaints of 'plagiarism', and it was an incredibly tough decision.

Ideally, I would liked to have called a draw and, if I had the $, I would've given $30 each to you and Fidel_Castro.

Thanks,
Steve

[stevenfullman]

Thanks for picking me .... PM sent

Payment and PM sent, Fidel :)

Steve

[Fidel_Castro]

payment done, files sent ... good job Steve